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Dead rabbits are not ‘new phenomenon’
Residents claim the sight of dead and decomposing rabbits hanging in trees have blighted a popular walkway for at least four years.
Walkers recently recoiled in horror at the grim discovery along the footpath near the north Leeds market town of Wetherby.
The carcasses of at least 10 dead rabbits were wedged in branches at eye-level but locals claim that they have been dumped in the trees before.
Police have vowed to catch the culprits after patrols were ramped up along the underpass, which runs from Freemans Way under the A1 link road to Walton, over the weekend.
Retired council gardener Geoff Hill claims that he has seen the bodies of rabbits in trees for the last four years.
He said: “It’s been ongoing for at least four years.
“The rabbit business was continuous and in fact you didn’t notice it most of the year because of the leaves on the trees.
“About this time last year the young man that took over from me said that he had seen at least 21 rabbits and was still counting.
“It’s not a new phenomenon but it is something that is a complete mystery.”
Susan Dowson, 72, added: “I am completely disgusted by this.
“It’s not just a one-off either, it has been going on for more than a year now and it is just horrendous.”
The incident was reported to Wetherby Police by a member of the public on Saturday.
PC Steve Atkinson said that he wasn’t aware of any previous instances being reported to the force.
He said: “I have been an officer for four years and this is the first time that I am aware of this being reported.”
He also said that patrols of the area were increased over the weekend.
PC Atkinson added: “There are people in that area who have permission to shoot rabbits and we expect them to dispose of them properly and sensibly.
“It is a potential health hazard and we will find out who has done this and deal with them accordingly.”
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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